After two long years of research and development, Lucas Skriko finally perfected the copper-infused fabric that is the foundation of his new men’s activewear brand FOR Apparel.
Blending cotton with copper nano-particles boasts a host of benefits for those who like to move and sweat: it’s odour resistant, moisture wicking, anti-fungal and doesn’t get stretched and misshaped. The material also tolerates bold dyes so wearers can look sharp while working out, or just hanging out. FOR Apparel recently launched its debut Crosstown collection and a follow-up collection is expected imminently.
The clothing is designed in Kitsilano by Skriko, 24, who enlisted the help of some friends to bring the brand to life. North Shore residents Connor Lennox, 26, and Lauren Clokie, 21, both business students at Capilano University, built the company’s digital platform.
“The three of us found that we all had different competencies, we all had skills in different areas that complemented one another,” says Lennox.
The brand fills a gap in the men’s activewear market, Lennox adds. In the past few years, women’s athletic and casual apparel have started to overlap, igniting the “athleisure” trend that has seen workout gear made from high-tech fabric find its way into the everyday wardrobe (think yoga pants outside the yoga studio).
“There weren’t too many people in the men’s industry doing this,” Lennox notes.
Skriko grew up with a dream to develop his own athletic wear brand, Lennox adds. The son of retired pro hockey player Petri Skriko, who played left wing for the Vancouver Canucks in the 1980s, he spent a lot of time around the rink as a child and enjoyed his own athletic pursuits. As he got older, he started to find athletic clothing quite generic; brands were using similar fabrics, colours and styles. It was while studying human kinetics at post-secondary school that he decided to take a chance on the fashion industry.
“Lucas took a real big risk starting this company. He was at university at the time and decided to put it on hold to pursue his dreams,” Lennox says.
FOR is an acronym for Find One Reason. “It represents the drive behind pushing oneself to consistently improve,” Lennox says. “We’re just hoping that through Lucas’s story, and through all of us coming together, we inspire others along the way to pursue their dreams.”
FOR Apparel is currently only available for purchase online, but Lennox expects the clothing to make its way into retail stores soon. The brand is initially targeting the 18-35 male demographic, but has plans to expand its product offerings over next year.
“Into 2018 we’re going to get into pants, shorts and a wider array of menswear and later in 2018 we’re actually going to delve into womenswear as well,” Lennox says.
Shop at forapparel.com.
